New COVID-19 testing site opens at Worthy Lane car park
A walk-through, appointment only, COVID-19 testing facility is opening today (Thursday 29 October) at Worthy Lane car park in Winchester, as part of government measures to increase testing and reduce the spread of the virus.
The site was offered up by Winchester City Council so that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, can access a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and you can expect your result from the walk-in facility the following day.
Testing at the new site will start on 29 October, with more appointments becoming available each day. Testing is available for everyone, with additional support offered for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, advising them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.
Your questions answered
When to get a test
Only book a test if you have one of the three main symptoms of the virus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell and taste), or if you are advised to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
Do not book a test if you have returned from a quarantined country unless you have symptoms.
How to get a test
Book online or by calling 119 from 7am to 11pm.
Do not call NHS 111 as this is for other health and medical issues.
When booking online, make sure you complete the form in full. This includes confirming that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions. You will then be sent a QR code which is required to enter the testing site.
What to do if you are having difficulty booking a test site near you
Keep trying – more tests are made available throughout the day.
This new testing provision boosts the current capacity of the permanent regional testing centre at Southampton Airport, as well as the three Mobile Testing Units which are deployed around the county to wherever there is greatest need.